LA Kings: Three players who will exceed their projected points production
By Ryan Sikes
Blake Lizotte
Projections: 56 GP, 6.0 G, 19.8 A, 25.8 PTS
Breaking camp with the team as a bit of an unknown commodity, Blake Lizotte proved he belongs in the NHL last season. An undrafted free agent out of St. Cloud State, Lizotte was overlooked by scouts because of his size. A 5-foot-7, 172-pound frame doesn’t scream NHL player on paper, but Lizotte’s speed became a much-needed asset for the LA Kings last season.
The Lindstrom, Minnesota native spent the majority of the 19-20 season with Adrian Kempe and Austin Wagner. Of course, Wagner is arguably the fastest player on the LA Kings roster. The combination of Lizotte and Wagner accounted for over 420 minutes of on-ice time and a 57.6 expected-goals-for percentage.
In training camp, he’s been playing alongside Andreas Athanasiou and Jeff Carter. The former could complement Lizotte with his elite speed, similar to Wagner. And while they’re time-on-ice last season was limited to 96 minutes, the duo of Lizotte and Carter accounted for a 59.7 expected-goals-for percentage.
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“Last year was kind of unique. Even the older guys weren’t really sure what to expect with new coaches,” Lizotte said, reflecting on his rookie year. This year has been a lot more confident for myself, just even knowing the drills, and it’s gotten a lot smoother. I think not having nearly as many surprises which is huge, and just the comfortability with some of the better players here like Kopitar, Doughty, and Carts [Carter| and just having more familiarity with them and more comfortability plays a huge role in being more confident across this very extended offseason.”
I see Athanasiou having a similar impact on Lizotte, and along with a healthy Jeff Carter, the 23-year-old is primed for a great year.